We are thrilled with how week 1 has gone so far! There is a positivity running through the building.
It’s the last day of the school week tomorrow so it’s a dress down day! Please be mindful that students should still dress according to the City Schools Dress Code.
We’ll also be celebrating our first week of school with Miss Twist! Our wonderful community partner, International Longshoreman’s Association, just a few rowhomes away, is fully sponsoring the event for every student and staff member to enjoy a well-deserved treat!
Class Dojo (app used for communication) is up and running. Invites have already begun to rollout. This is new for us so when we need to troubleshoot, please know we’re trying!
Welcome back!!
6 months ago, Jason Venezia-Walerstein
Dear Families,
We are excited to share that FSK will be hosting the Kids Zone during the Locust Point Festival on Saturday, September 13th—and we need your help to make it a success!
This is not only a fun way to support our school but also an important fundraiser for FSK. Volunteering is easy, and all helpers will receive a small thank-you!
👉 Please sign up for a shift here: Volunteer Sign-Up Link
Middle School students who participate will also earn credits toward their required service hours.
Thank you for supporting FSK and helping us make this a fun event for the whole neighborhood!
Best,
FSK PTO
6 months ago, Jason Venezia-Walerstein

Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome back to a new and exciting school year! As we prepare to welcome your children back to school tomorrow, I wanted to take a moment to share our enthusiasm and highlight some of the key focuses for the year ahead.
Our team is eager to build on the wonderful progress made last year and continue fostering a nurturing and dynamic learning environment. This year, in accordance with the belief that ALL students can excel, we have set a goal that all students will increase their proficiency in ELA and Math by 1.3 grade levels from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, as measured by district diagnostic testing. FSK will prioritize several instructional strategies to support your child’s growth and development:
1. Small Group Instruction/Personalized Learning: We will be implementing more small group instruction to provide personalized support and targeted enrichment, helping each student achieve their best.
2. Improving Achievement Outcomes for Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners : Recognizing that every student learns differently and requires instructional practices geared to their individual needs, we will tailor our teaching approaches to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of all students.
3. Writing Across the Curriculum: Writing will be integrated into all subject areas to strengthen critical thinking and communication skills, making writing a central part of your child’s educational experience.
In order to further ensure the success of all of our students we want to also remind our families that City Schools has implemented a No Cellphone/Personal Devices policy. Students must keep all cellphones, personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, Bluetooth headphones, etc., locked up during the school day. We will be enforcing this policy starting Day 1. FSKs personal device policy was emailed to families in our welcome letter and students will be bringing it home tomorrow as well.
As we work to meet and exceed our school’s goals and objectives, we call on our FSK families to collaborate and support us in this work. We want to thank our PTO for their continued support, with a special thank you goes to Martha Firehock for her exceptional work in navigating the district's enrollment process with us. Martha has worked tirelessly to ensure that all new parents and families received the information they needed, and her dedication has been invaluable.
We are also committed to ensuring that all students and their families feel valued and included in our school community. We believe that building strong relationships with you and your children is essential for their success. We will be intentional about creating a welcoming atmosphere and celebrating the cultures, talents, and achievements of all of our students.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we can make this school year a memorable and successful one for your child. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to a fantastic year ahead!
Have a great day, on purpose!
Tenerra McFadden
Principal
#fromgoodtogreat
6 months ago, Tenerra McFadden
Girls on the Run - Grades 3rd-5th
If your child is interested in participating in Girls on the Run this fall, registration opens on August 23 and runs through September 10th. The program begins the week of 9/22/25 and ends with a 5k on Sunday 11/23 and runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45-5. You can find more information about this great program here:
https://www.gotrchesapeake.org.
Registration numbers are limited. Spots will be given out through a lottery if necessary and you will be notified after September 11th as to whether your child has been accepted. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions at
rcaldwell710@gmail.com. Attached flyer has further information. Click here to register:
https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/Fall25ProgramGOTRGC.
6 months ago, Tenerra McFadden
School starts Monday, August 25, 2025! Ensure you're prepared by reviewing the City Schools 2025–2026 one-page calendar. It highlights important dates, such as the first and last days of school, holidays, early dismissals, and scheduled breaks. Download the printable version in English and Spanish here:
https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/events6 months ago, City Schools
Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, students can still bring cell phones and other personal electronic devices to school—but they must stay powered off, put away, and secured during the school day. Learn more about the updated policy here:
https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/22805606 months ago, City Schools
Happy Monday! We've received a few emails from families who are experiencing difficulties completing the Annual Student Verification (ASV). Please click the link to log your issue: Annual Student Verification Issues Form
6 months ago, Tenerra McFadden
Ensure your student is well-prepared for a smooth start to the school year by completing the Annual Student Verification. Even if nothing has changed, reviewing and confirming your contact information helps your school stay connected and prepared to support your child from day one. Click here to learn how you can complete yours today:
https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/annual-student-verification6 months ago, City Schools
The City Schools Summer Program Survey is still open and accepting responses. If your student attended a City Schools summer program, please take a moment to complete our quick 3-minute survey. Your feedback is invaluable to refine our options for next year. To complete the study, click here:
https://survey.k12insight.com/r/jcNiGi6 months ago, City Schools
New for the 2025–2026 school year: Students may still bring their cell phones and other portable electronic devices to school. However, during the school day, devices must be powered off, put away, and secured. Want to learn more about the updated policy? Click here for the details: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2280560
7 months ago, City Schools
City Schools has extended the Summer Transfer Window only through Wednesday, August 13, 2025. This is your LAST opportunity to visit the enrollment office in person as part of the open transfer window. Visit our website for more information:
https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/23446637 months ago, City Schools
Get ready for the new school year with the City Schools 2025–26 one-page calendar. This printable resource includes key dates like the first and last days of school, holidays, early release days, and scheduled breaks. Available in English and Spanish at:
https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/events7 months ago, City Schools
Good morning FSK! There is a low hanging branch on the fig tree in the back of the school as you pull into the back lot. We are contacting Facilities to have it removed. Please be careful as you enter the back parking lot.
7 months ago, Tenerra McFadden
Good Afternoon FSK!
I hope you all are well. There is an error in our welcome letter. Please take note of the following correction: Our 6th grade orientation is scheduled for August 14th, NOT the 15th. We apologize for the confusion.
Take care!
7 months ago, Tenerra McFadden
Good Afternoon FSK! We are pleased to announce that Piano for Youth is back for the 25-26 school year! Piano for Youth is celebrating 8 fabulous years of piano instruction at FSK! Please click on the flyer for more information.
7 months ago, Tenerra McFadden
7 months ago, Tenerra McFadden

It's that time of the year again, City Schools families! A fresh new school year is beginning soon and with that, annual student verification (ASV) is now open for returning students! Remember to update and confirm your student’s information using the Campus Portal — even if there are no changes to be made. Find more information here:
https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/annual-student-verificationHere is a link to a video from City Schools explaining the process:
https://youtu.be/j6z6r3KUu8oPlease call FSK at 410-396-1503 if you need assistance with completing ASV. Take care!
En Espanol:
¡Ya es esa época del año, familias de las Escuelas de la Ciudad! Pronto comienza un nuevo año escolar y, con ello, la verificación anual de estudiantes (ASV) ya está disponible para los estudiantes que regresan! Recuerden actualizar y confirmar la información de sus estudiantes a través del Campus Portal, incluso si no hay cambios que hacer. Encuentre más información aquí:
https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/annual-student-verificationAquí tienes un enlace a un video de las Escuelas de la Ciudad que explica el proceso:
https://youtu.be/ttSyr4EhKCISi necesitas ayuda para completar el ASV, llama a FSK al 410-396-1503. ¡Cuídate!
7 months ago, Tenerra McFadden
Good Morning Families,
The 6th grade orientation information was sent to you in error. ALL OF YOUR STUDENTS ARE IN 7th GRADE. Please forgive the erroneous communication.
Take care!
7 months ago, Tenerra McFadden
Hello Francis Scott Key Families,
Elev8 Baltimore's Freedom School summer program just opened 10-15 additional spots for students in grades RISING 1st grade - RISING 5th grade!! We have three weeks of programming left and we'd love for your student to join us for a full day of fun and learning! Interested families can apply here
www.bit.ly/E8Freedom25
Elev8 Freedom School provides culturally rich academic instruction, fun and engaging afternoon enrichments, daily Harambe to get the day started with energy, and engage students in a community focused impactful service-learning activity. Did we mention field trips??
Monday - Thursday
8:30am - 3:00pm
For questions or more information, please contact our FSK Site Lead, Mrs. Amber Ancarrow at
adancarrow@bcps.k12.md.us
7 months ago, Tenerra McFadden
Happy Wednesday FSK!!!
We still have Springboard Summer spots available!! If you are looking to have your kiddo involved in some high-quality programming this summer, please get in touch with Ms. Dana Naugle ASAP!! Email:
dnaugle@bcps.k12.md.usGrades: Pre-k through 6th grade!
Days/Time: Monday-Thursday 8:30-12:30
8 months ago, Tenerra McFadden